Materials Planner

Responsibilities

• Manage assigned supplier and material categories, ensuring appropriate inventory levels, material availability, and mitigation of supply risks.
• Utilize ERP systems to analyze material requirements, review shortage reports, and validate system-generated planning recommendations.
• Identify potential material shortages early and take immediate action to prevent production interruptions.
• Communicate directly with suppliers to confirm delivery commitments, address past-due orders, and develop backlog recovery plans.
• Cook up expedited shipments and transportation requests when critical materials are required to support production.
• Escalate unresolved supplier issues through established internal channels when necessary to drive timely resolution.
• Track and communicate shortage status, supplier performance concerns, and recovery plans to leadership and key stakeholders.
• Prioritize multiple competing issues while maintaining strong attention to detail and a sense of urgency.
• Collaborate with planning, purchasing, logistics, supplier integration, and manufacturing teams to support operational and production goals.
• Maintain accurate planning data within ERP and related systems and ensure timely follow-up on all open supply issues.
• Support continuous improvement efforts in material planning, supply chain processes, and supplier performance.

Essential Skills

• 3-10+ years of experience in Material Planning or Expediting
• Hands-on experience using an ERP for material planning or supply chain activities
• Strong supplier management skills, including the ability to negotiate priorities, clarify requirements, and build productive relationships
• Effective verbal and written communication skills for interacting with suppliers and internal stakeholders
• Demonstrated experience expediting materials and resolving material shortages in a time-sensitive environment
• Proven ability to prioritize competing demands, manage multiple tasks, and work independently with minimal supervision
• Experience working in a manufacturing environment
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and Outlook

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Formal education in a relevant field such as Supply Chain, Operations, Business, or a related discipline
• SAP is preferred
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data from ERP and reporting tools to make informed planning decisions
• Detail-oriented mindset with a focus on accuracy and consistency in planning data
• Able to work effectively in a cross-functional team environment and support continuous improvement initiatives